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Thich Nhat Hanh and Br. David Steindl-Rast and Gratefulness

MindMusing

The idea of gratefulness as a practice for inner tranquility crosses traditions and time. I have encountered it in both religious and secular contexts which is not surprising. Taking time to contemplate the fact that being alive at all is a wonder and a gift is among the most soothing salve for many of life’s bumps and bruises.

I try to keep in mind that I have no experience of a law that says I had to exist. So to have a life is itself a cause for gratitude.

Here are two fine representatives of very different traditions. Yet they meet easily on the topic of gratefulness. I wonder how different the world would be if this was a widespread teaching across time, cultures, and viewpoints.